Club & school affiliate referees are not branch referees. Club and school affiliate referees are defined as adult persons (Aged 18 to 59). They are club or school members who are qualified to referee matches involving their own club or school where no Branch referee is available or has not been appointed. They usually referee underage games and provide an important function in servicing the game at this level in their club or school.

Who appoints Club & School Affiliate Referees?
The responsibility for their appointment lies solely with their club or school.

Are they members of a Branch Referees Society or Association?
No, they are entirely separate. Club and school affiliate referees are a refereeing resource within their own club or school and have no involvement with their branch referee association / society.

Can affiliate referees affiliate to more than one club or school?
No, affiliate referees can only affiliate to one club and one school.

What games can they referee?
They are appointed by their club or school. They can only referee games involving their own club or school, home or away.

How do I become an affiliate referee?
You must successfully complete two World Rugby online training components and then email your certificates in. Then register online and then attend an IRFU Club and School Affiliate Workshop.

Step 1:
Complete World Rugby Law Exam Module - click here.
Complete World Rugby Concussion Management for General Public Module -click here.

Both these components require online registration with the World Rugby Training Passport portal.
On completion you should email your completed certificates to affiliatereferee@irfu.ie.

Step 2:
Complete the online registration form - Club & School Affiliate Referee Registration Form.

Step 3:
Attend a Club and School Affiliate workshop that you have selected. This is a two and a half hour module covering the basics of successful and safe refereeing.

I am interested, what courses can I attend and who do I contact?

Area Venue Date Time
Metro Gonzaga College 23/09/2019 19.00 – 21.30
Metro King’s Hospital 23/10/2019 19.00 – 21.30
North Midlands Newbridge College 30/09/2019 19.00 – 21.30
Midlands Tullamore RFC 25/09/2019 19.00 – 21.30
South East Enniscorthy RFC 26/09/2019 19.00 – 21.30
North East Ashbourne RFC 24/09/2019 19.00 – 21.30

How long will my accreditation last?

Once completed your accreditation will last for 4 seasons including the season that you attended. For example if you attend in October 2016 your accreditation will expire on July 31st 2020.

Please note that from time to time you may need to undertake further training on important law changes or safety management to keep your accreditation active. You will be notified of this by email.

Best practice for clubs and schools with their affiliate referees.

• Accreditation of referees they appoint must be in date. Courses are held at appropriate times throughout the season.
• Appoint their best available affiliate referees.
• Ensure sending offs and other discipline matters are notified to their respective branch.
• Keep a record of appointments made.

Following best practice ensures a safer and better structured playing environment for your players.

Please click here for full IRFU Affiliate Referee Policy.